PT0E-1371

Portable Multi-Gas Monitor
RX-8500/RX-8700
Data Logger Management Program

SW-RX-8500/8700(EX)Operating Manual

1 Preface

1-1. Purpose and features of this program1

Preface
The operation procedures and precautions mentioned in this operating manual apply only for the specified use of the program.
We do not hold ourselves responsible for uses not described in this operating manual.
This operating manual will not explain the basic common operations of Microsoft Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10,
such as selecting commands or setting dialog boxes. First-time users of Windows should read the Windows manual inadvance to learn common operations of the operating system.

WARNING
This product is distributed on a special type of CD called "CD-ROM".
Do not try to play this CD on a common audio CD player.
Ignoring this warning may cause loud noise, resulting in hearing impairment or speaker damage.

CAUTION
Necessity of pointing devices
This software requires pointing devices such as a mouse or touchpad.
Keyboard-only operation is not supported.

2

1 Preface

1-1. Purpose and features of this program

1-1. Purpose and features of this programThis program is used to download data collected by the data logger function featured in RX-8500/8700 to a PC to use thedata effectively.
There are the following advantages in downloading data collected by the data logger function:•
Gathered data can be viewed in a list.
•
Gathered data can be viewed in graph and chart formats.
•Graph and chart data can be printed and stored on paper.
•
Past data can be stored.
•
Manual copying of data is no longer necessary.
•
Able to manage more than one unit easily.

Notice••••Copying or duplicating the content of this manual without our knowledge, in whole or in part, is prohibited unlessotherwise specified in law.
Due to the improvement of the product, the content of this operating manual might be amended without priornotice.
It is necessary to agree with the Software License Agreement, separately provided, before using this product.
Please consent that we assume you have agreed to this agreement when the package is opened.
Utilization of the software other than for intended purposes is prohibited. If the operating manual is ignored whenusing the software, or the software is altered in any way, the safety and quality of the product might not be
maintained. We will not be liable for any accidents caused by these conditions.

(c) Copyright 2013 R ken Ke ki co.,Ltd. All rights reserved.
The copyright of this software is owned by RIKEN KEIKI.
Microsoft Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10 are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the UnitedStates and other countries.

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Contents

Contents

Contents
1
1-1.
2
2-1.
2-2.
2-3.
2-4.
3
3-1.
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
3-2.
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
3-3.
(1)
(2)
(3)
3-4.
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
3-5.
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
3-6.
(1)
(2)
(3)
4
4-1.
4-2.
5
6

Preface ...........................................................................................................................................2
Purpose and features of this program ........................................................................................3
Installation and Uninstallation ......................................................................................................6
Precautions on operating environment ......................................................................................6
Software installation ......................................................................................................................6
Installation procedure ...................................................................................................................7
Uninstallation ...............................................................................................................................11
How to Operate ...........................................................................................................................13
Download screen ........................................................................................................................13
Download data from RX-8500/8700 ..................................................................................15
Download instrument information .......................................................................................16
Download various data ........................................................................................................17
Complete download .............................................................................................................18
Clear data in the RX-8500/8700 main unit ........................................................................19
Turn off the power of the RX-8500/8700 main unit...........................................................19
Switch to automatic mode ...................................................................................................20
Instrument Information screen...................................................................................................21
Data source type...................................................................................................................22
Status information .................................................................................................................22
Calibration history information .............................................................................................23
Sensor alarm setpoint information ......................................................................................23
Data screen .................................................................................................................................24
Delete data ............................................................................................................................25
View details of data...............................................................................................................25
Summary pane .....................................................................................................................26
Data View screen........................................................................................................................29
Switch between table and graph views..............................................................................31
Output to a printer .................................................................................................................33
Printing CALIBRATION REPORT......................................................................................36
Save to a file ..........................................................................................................................39
To view data summary simultaneously ..............................................................................40
Table details...........................................................................................................................41
Graph details .........................................................................................................................42
Last Calibration screen...............................................................................................................43
Change displayed contents .................................................................................................44
Output to a printer .................................................................................................................45
Delete data ............................................................................................................................46
Change password ................................................................................................................47
Set screen....................................................................................................................................48
Change font and graph colors.............................................................................................49
Change status of the main unit ...........................................................................................50
Send updates to the RX-8500/8700 main unit..................................................................51
Data Maintenance ......................................................................................................................52
Details of data storage structure................................................................................................52
Backup .........................................................................................................................................52
Operating Precautions ...............................................................................................................53
Troubleshooting...........................................................................................................................54

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Contents

Contents

7
IrDA Specifications ......................................................................................................................55
7-1.
About infrared communication ..................................................................................................55
7-2.
Display of communication ready status....................................................................................55
7-2-1.
Task bar icon when the operating system recognizes RX-8500/8700...........................55
7-2-2.
Task bar icon when communication between the data logger program and theRX-8500/8700 main unit is in progress..............................................................................56
8
File Structure................................................................................................................................57
8-1.
Current directory immediately after installation........................................................................57
8-2.
Current directory during operation ............................................................................................57
9
Software Specifications ..............................................................................................................58

5

2 Installation and Uninstallation

2-1. Precautions on operating environment2

Installation andUninstallation
2-1. Precautions on operating environment
This program can be used on Microsoft operating systems Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10. Please note that it
cannot be used on other operating systems.
This program requires a maximum of 40 MB hard disk when it is installed. Moreover, on operation of the system, it requires
hard disk capacity depending on the amount of data. Please use the program with sufficient disk capacity.

CAUTION
Precautions on handling the CD-ROM
1. CD-ROM storage
Do not store the CD-ROM in a place exposed to direct sunlight or a place with high temperature andhumidity.
2. CD-ROM drive to use
Avoid using a slot-loading CD-ROM drive.
The label attached on the CD-ROM might prevent CD-ROM from ejecting properly.
Use a tray-type CD-ROM drive.

2-2. Software installation
Insert a disk which stores data of the program to a CD-ROM drive of a Windows-based PC. After a while, an installation
screen will automatically start.
When the PC does not support the auto-start function of the CD-ROM, operate as follows:
1. From Explorer, open the CD-ROM drive.
2. Double-click the "setup.exe" file.

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2 Installation and Uninstallation

2-3. Installation procedure

2-3. Installation procedure● Start the setup
program

After inserting the CD-ROM or starting setup.exe, the following screen is displayed.

Click the Next button.
● Accept thelicenseagreement

The following screen is displayed.

Click the Next button to continue the installation, or the Cancel button to abort the installation.
Caution: Fully understand the license agreement before continuing with the installation of
the software.

7

2 Installation and Uninstallation● Customer
Information

2-3. Installation procedure

Click the Next button to display the following screen.

Click the Next button.
● Destination
FolderClick the Next button.

82 Installation and Uninstallation

2-3. Installation procedure● Start setup

Click the Next button to start installation.
● Complete

When the setup process is completed, the following screen is displayed.

The program can be used immediately after setup.

92 Installation and Uninstallation

2-3. Installation procedure

CAUTION
Save past data for reinstallation
Please note the following when reinstalling the software:
1. Uninstall the software before reinstallation.
2. If the software is uninstalled after some operation, some files will remain on the PC. Of these files,
RX8500_8600_8700.mdb is a database file. If past data needs to be saved, copy this file to a different
location, and then delete the folder.

CAUTION
Precautions when installing on Windows 7/8/10
This software requires a library, which consists of files such as various drivers, installed on the Windows system.
The files are installed automatically during the installation of the software.
When using Windows 7/8/10, installation of the system library requires administrator privileges.
In this case, follow the instructions to log in as an administrator, and then install the system library.
After installation, a dialog prompts to restart the system. Restart, log on again as a general user, and install theapplication.
(Both the library and the application are installed by clicking setup.exe in the CD-ROM. Installation with anadministrator privilege is required only when the required library is not installed in the system folder.)When using the software under a network-connected environment
When installing on a network-connected PC running Windows 7/8/10, check the following points.
IrDA communication utilizes a subset of TCP/IP technology (the communication technology used for the Internetetc.) and uses a special set of communication groups and IP addresses.
Because of this, some strong Internet security software might reject communication.
If possible, use a computer that is not connected to the network.
When using a computer connected to the network, use with sufficient considerations on security settings.

10

3 How to Operate

3-1. Download screen

To perform data communication, place the RX-8500/8700 main unit to an appropriate position, and with the program activated,turn on the power of the main unit. The program automatically judges whether or not communication is possible. If possible,
the PC will be ready to receive the data.

143 How to Operate

3-1. Download screen(5) Clear data in the RX-8500/8700 main unit
● Data clear

Use the Clear Logger Data button to delete various data stored inside RX-8500/8700.
Click the Clear Logger Data button.

Click Yes to start clearing the data.

(6) Turn off the power of the RX-8500/8700 main unit
● Power OFF

Use the Power Off button to turn off the power of the RX-8500/8700 main unit and initialize theserial port of the PC.
1.

Click the Power Off button.

Click the Yes button to start the power off process of the RX-8500/8700 main unit. After the serial
port of the PC is initialized, it will be reset to the data download ready status.

193 How to Operate

3-2. Instrument Information screen(1) Data source type
● Data source
information

When the information of the multi-gas monitor main unit is displayed, the text Connected isdisplayed.

(2) Status information● Information
details

Serial No, Station ID and User ID stored inside the main unit are displayed.
CAUTION: This column is read-only. Modification of the data is not supported.

22

3 How to Operate

3-2. Instrument Information screen(3) Calibration history information● Calibration
history details

Contents:
Gas
Calib.Date
BeforeAfter
A.Cal.
Cal.Due(Days): Measured gas name (unit): Date of last calibration: Concentration before last calibration: Concentration after last calibration/calibration failure: Concentration for automatic calibration: Guaranteed operating time without another calibration (when the remaining
time reaches 1 month, this item is displayed in red to indicate a warning)(4) Sensor alarm setpoint information● DetailsContents:
Gas
Warning
Alarm: Measured gas name: Concentration at first alarm setpoint: Concentration at second alarm setpoint23

3 How to Operate

3-3. Data screen(3) Summary pane
● Details

When the selected data is a normal data, the summary of the data is displayed.
Interval trend

Name: Data name
Sampling Date/Time: Start and end of sampling date/time
Serial No./Station ID/User ID : Status of the RX-8500/8700 main unit
Data Count: Number of sampled data
Interval Time (sec): Sampling interval (sec)Gas(FullScale): Gas (full scale)
Avg: Average value of gas
Max: Maximum value of gas data
Max Date/Time: Date/time when the maximum value is logged
Min: Minimum value of gas data
Min Date/Time: Date/time when the minimum value is logged
Warning: First alarm setpoint
Alarm: Second alarm setpoint
SnapshotName: Data name
Sampling Date/Time: Recorded time
Serial No./Station ID/User ID : Status of the RX-8500/8700 main unit
Gas(FullScale): Gas (full scale)
Concentration: Concentration at sampling time26

3 How to Operate

3-3. Data screen

Alarm trend

Name: Data name
Alarm Date/Time: Date/time when the alarm is occurred
Serial No./Station ID/User ID : Status of the RX-8500/8700 main unit
Data Count: Number of sampled data
Interval Time (sec): Sampling intervalGas(FullScale): Gas (full scale)Value: Concentration when the alarm is occurred
Warning: First alarm setpoint
Alarm: Second alarm setpoint

Calibration history

DateTime
Gas
BeforeAfter: Date and time when the event occurred: Gas: Concentration before calibration: Concentration after calibration27

3 How to Operate

3-3. Data screen

Alarm events

DateTime
Gas
Event: Date and time when the event occurred: Naturally occurring or produced gas: Event type

Trouble events

DateTime
Gas/Body
Event: Date and time when the event occurred: Naturally occurring or produced gas, or the RX-8500/8700 main unit (Body): Event type283 How to Operate

3-4. Data View screen

Printout example (graph printout)

Printout example (table printout)

Printout example (calibration history)

Printout example (alarm events)34

3 How to Operate
Printout example (trouble events)

3-4. Data View screen
Printout example (snapshot)

Notes on printer settings(1) Detailed printer settings depend on the printer used. Please see the operation manual of the printer.
(2) This program does not support Print Area setting. Therefore, usage such as printing only part of the selected data is notpossible.
(3) Copies can be changed only when the setting is available from the printer.
When the setting is changed in this way, the change affects other applications subsequently used. (For example, when
Copies is changed to 2, a printout operation from another application might also result in two copies.)
If Print Setting is changed in this program, when a printout is required from another application, check Print Setting of thatapplication.

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3 How to Operate

3-4. Data View screen(4) Save to a file
● Save1.

Click the Save button on the screen.

Specify the location and the file name, and click the Save button to store the data.
Click the Cancel button to cancel the save operation.
CAUTION:
When a table is displayed, the content of the table is saved in the Excel CSV format.
When a graph is displayed, the bitmap of the graph is saved.

393 How to Operate

3-5. Last Calibration screen(2) Output to a printer● Print

The last calibration date of each unit can be printed out using Need Calibration or Calibration Date.
The Printer List screen is displayed. Select the printer to use and click the OK button.

45

3 How to Operate

3-5. Last Calibration screen(4) Change password● Input password

1.

Display the Password dialog in the same way as deleting the data, and click Change
Password.

2.

Enter an appropriate password and click the Current password button. The following
message is displayed.

3.

Enter the new password and click the New Password button.

4.

The Password dialog is prompted again. Enter the same new password and click New
Password.

Click OK to update the password.

CAUTION: The password immediately after installation is "Riken". (Case-sensitive)47

3 How to Operate● Change

3-6. Set screen

2.

In the status area, change the desired data.

The contents of Serial No. (20 Characters) and User ID (16 Characters) can be changed.
Interval Trend Time (Sec) and Station ID (16 Characters) can be selected and changed from thelist.
The Date/Time Set button can be used to align the internal clock of the RX-8500/8700 main unit
(RX-8500/8700 Date/Time) to the set time of the PC (PC Date/Time).
CAUTION: The date/time areas cannot be entered directly.
CAUTION: The settings of the RX-8500/8700 main unit are not modified except Date/Time
Set by this change. Make sure to click Update to send the change request process to themain unit.

(3) Send updates to the RX-8500/8700 main unit
● Send updates

1.

Modify the places to change and click the Update button.

When the Yes button is clicked, the changes are sent to the RX-8500/8700 main unit and stored
there.
When the No button is clicked, update is canceled.
CAUTION: The changes cannot be undone. Before clicking Update, it is possible to revert
to the data stored in the main unit by clicking the Instrument Information button on the
Download screen to download the instrument information data.

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4 Data Maintenance4-1. Details of data storage structure

4

Data Maintenance
Depending on usage (such as loading data many times in a single day), the number of data might increase drastically. In sucha case, it might be difficult just to find the desired data. In addition, there is a possibility of losing valuable data caused by an
unexpected trouble of the PC.
To prepare for such unexpected events, a periodical backup of the data is recommended.

4-1. Details of data storage structure
Data is stored in the folder specified by "Start in" in the Properties tab of the shortcut created at installation.
1)

File name:
File type:RX-8500/8700.mdb
Microsoft Jet 3.6 database file

2)

File name:
File type:

Data
Folder Trend data files are organized under year/month folders

4-2. Backup
Although it depends on usage, we recommend the data to be copied to another hard disk device or an auxiliary storage
device (such as an MO drive or CD-R drive).
To restore data, copy it to the folder specified by "Start in" in the Properties tab of the shortcut created at installation. The
program searches for data on startup and the data will be available to view.

52

5 Operating Precautions

5

Operating Precautions
When using the program, take sufficient considerations on the following points:(1) When downloading data, check that RX-8500/8700 is placed at an appropriate position. If the position is not appropriate,
download cannot be performed properly.
(2) When downloading, avoid similar operations using another application. (For example, performing IR communication
during data download)(3) Do not kill the program (for example, by using Ctrl + Alt + Del). This program saves setting parameters on the shutdown
process to prepare for the next startup. Therefore, if the program is killed, the next startup might fail.
(4) Do not modify a data file directly.

53

6 Troubleshooting

6

Troubleshooting
Symptoms

CausesSolutions

Communication is notpossible.

The position of the main unit isinappropriate. An obstacle is in theway.
There is another device that uses
IR.

Change the position of the main unit.

There is a scattered light outside.

Eliminate the device that uses IR.

The RX-8500/8700 main unit
moved during communication.
There is a scattered light outside.

Do not move the unit during communication.

Error occurs duringcommunication.
Something is wrong in thecommunication data.

Turn off the other devices, or prevent its interference.

Eliminate the device that uses IR.

If an error still persists despite the above actions, please contact RIKEN KEIKI.

54

8 File Structure

8-1. Current directory immediately after installation

8

File StructureThis chapter explains the details about file contents at installation and during operation.

8-1. Current directory immediately after installation
File name
RX8500_8600_8700.exe
RkIrDA11.ocx
RKComm.ocx
Filemove.avi

Details
RX-8500/8700 main unit
Infrared communication component
Serial communication component
Animation file that shows that data download is in progress

8-2. Current directory during operation
File name
RX8500_8600_8700.ini
RX8500_8600_8700.dat
RX8500_8600_8700.mdb
Data
Serial.log

Details
RX-8500/8700 initialization file
File for data downloading
Database file (Microsoft Jet 3.6 database)
Save directory for trend data files
Recording of data that flowed through communication port since startup of the program(for investigation and maintenance)
CAUTION: Files are created after startup of the program.

57

9 Software Specifications

9

Software Specifications
Name of product(name of program)
Model
Executable file nameSupported OS

RX-8500/8700 Data Logger Management Program

SW-RX-8500/8700(EX)RX8500_8600_8700.EXE
Microsoft
Windows 7
Windows 8
Windows 10
Program capacity
Main program: Approx. 3 MB/Library: Approx. 5.2 MB(Uses up to 40 MB of disk space on installation)
Communication of the Infrared (conforming to IrDA 1.1 protocol)
main unit
Standard communication settings
Baud rate: 57600 bps (maximum)
Data bit: 8 bits
Stop bit: 1 bit
Parity: Even parity
Transfer time
Maximum 3 minutes (standard communication setting, with maximum amount of data)
MediumOne CD-ROM
Package contents
Operating Manual (this document)
Product warranty and registration card
License agreement58